Europe’s best Christmas markets Pt.1

Believe in the magic of Christmas by visiting one of the continent’s many famous festival markets and marvel at beautiful Christmas lights, gaze at gigantic Christmas trees and fill up on mulled wine and gingerbread

Chişinău

Moldova

Venture off the beaten track to explore Moldova’s capital at its Christmassy finest, where you can find spirited fun and warming drinks.

Have fun on the merry-go-round or feast on traditional Moldovan pies and snacks. You can buy handcrafted traditional goods made from leather and wool from the many stalls.

Decorations are spread throughout three areas of the city center: the main Christmas tree is situated in front of the government building, a little family fair is located at the front of the opera and ballet theatre and the Christmas Market is hosted on 31 August 1989 St.

Where: City center

When: 15 December – 15 January

TIP: On weekends there is live music at the main stage, which offers a programme of folk winter songs and modern music.

Gothenburg

Sweden

From hand-knitted mittens to decorations, the markets in Sweden are bustling whether in the small towns of big cities.

Considered a national icon, Liseberg Amusement Park in the centre of Gothenburg is arguably the most famous market.

Tip: The ‘all-in-one’ Christmas pass enables admission and rides at a discount price during Christmas at Liseberg. The cost is 275 SEK. A ticket for Christmas at Liseberg admission only is 120 SEK.

Lübeck

Germany

Usher in the festive season by visiting one of the pre-Christmas highlights in the Hanseatic city.

The Lübeck Christmas Market was first documented in 1648 and is situated in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the market includes 400 stalls offering handmade toys, hot spiced wine and gingerbread. You can also feast on roasted chestnuts, sausages and mulled wine.

More importantly, the markets sell the city’s much famed marzipan. Marzipan became a specialty of the Baltic Sea region of Germany and Lübeck offers some amazing shops. From tea to chocolates, this area is great for those with a sweet tooth.

Where: Koberg square

When: 25 November – 30 December. Closed 25 December.

TIP: Visit Café Niederegger for a marzipan cappuccino. Don’t’ forget to stop atNiederegger Marzipanerie, where you can find everything from marzipan teddy bears to fruit.

Prague

Czech Republic

Spread the Christmas joy by visiting the capital’s winter wonderland.

Check out choirs and folk groups dressed in traditional costumes at the Old Town Square or sample large hams roasted on spits (Pražská Šunka, flatbread topped with garlic, cheese and ketchup (langoš) or pancakes (palačinky).